Garcia elected Phl chair of parliamentarians group
Cebu Third District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia has been elected as the first chairperson of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace-Philippines.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted to serve as the first chairperson of the IAPP-Philippines. And I share this honor with my fellow Cebuanos. Mabuhi ka, Sugbuanon!" Garcia said in a text message to The FREEMAN.
Garcia is also Deputy Speaker for the Visayas in the House of Representatives.
Her election as IAPP-Philippines chair was unanimous, according to a statement released by her office.
Her new position was announced formally by former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., the co-chairman of IAPP International. The announcement was witnessed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Dr. Chung SikYong, regional president of Universal Peace Foundation-Asia.
Garcia said it was De Venecia who initiated her election in IAPP and De Venecia was informed about the decision yesterday afternoon.
Congratulating Garcia yesterday were former Representative Gina De Venecia, Representative Leopoldo Bataoil (AIPP Philippines President), Congressman Christopher Toff deVenecia (AIPP Philippines Vice President), Cebu City Second District Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa, Coop NATCOO Partylist Representative Anthony Bravo, Representative John Bertiz of ACTS-OFW Partylist, and Representative Harlin Abayon of AANGAT TAYO Partylist.
According to its website, www.ufp.org., the "International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace" is being launched as a worldwide association of parliamentarians which provides a forum to bring their experience and wisdom to bear in the search for solutions to our world's problems.
Launched in 2001, the global "Parliamentarians for Peace" initiative centers on parliamentarians being ambassadors for peace, considering they play a central role in nations throughout the world, representing the people, respecting the rule of law, and upholding human rights.